—I have no idea what the movies will be like, except that I just can’t see Hollywood telling this story without changing the underlying plot—
Remember the first Death Wish movie? The original author was very upset with the ending. In his book, our hero started shooting people indiscriminately becuase of the way they looked or the music the played.
It was a completely different message from the movie. The exact opposite, actually.
I don’t know if this will be as bad, or even can be done with the story line though.
Interesting to read your take on this. The movie (and book) has been getting so much hype recently. My default any time the media gets behinds something is: “This cannot be good.” Perhaps it’ll be different this time. I’ll look closer. Thank you.
This book gets the wallcralwr approval as well.
Easy, fast read since its written for younger audience but interesting enough storyline for adults.
Also, the Legend of the Seeker series get my approval for individual freedom vs group think mindless controlled sheep.
“My recommendation to all fellow Freepers is read these books, and then buy them for you your children-grandchildren.”
I second that recommendation. About $7.00 ea. on Kindle. The only problem I have so far with the movie: casting Woodhead Harrelson as Haymitch.
My soon to be 14 year old daughter has read the trilogy and I have never seen anything she read prior to these books spark such a passionate response. And I agree totally with you about the underlying message of freedom and the dangers of the liberal authoritarian impulse to centrally plan and control society. After reading the novels for myself and seeing how popular they have become, I find the fact that this message has resonated so strongly with young people to be very reassuring.
I’ve read the trilogy as well and agree wholeheartedly!
Big thumbs up from me as well!~ Loved the books and the message. However, I think Hollywood is too stupid to even realize the message of the movie.
My 13 year old loved the books so much that he insisted that I and his mother read them. I agreed to do so as a parent. I’m glad I did so as a fan. They are smart and well paced reads that deliver a powerful message of self-reliance and liberty.
Very excited to see the movie come out next week.
My 15 year-old daughter loves the book. It was required class reading by her highly anti-socialist, pro-constitution history teacher (yes, there are still a few at public schools).
My 28 year old daughter has been talking about The Hunger Game for the longest time. She keeps saying she can’t wait for the movie. She brought to book to me a couple of weeks ago so I can read it. She wants someone to talk to about it. I guess I’ll have to read it now and see for myself.
Sometimes the left in this country doesn’t recognize the message. Look how popular “Firefly” (the series) and “Serenity” (the movie) are. They have the “live free or die” theme. I pray that, somehow, the truth gets into their mushy skulls.
“It’s aimed at kids...”
I totally disagree. While the characters are mostly teenaged, the work itself is simply good fiction. I’m 56 and totally enjoyed the story.
And while I agree with your description of the theme being about individual freedom, since reading the trilogy I have often wondered if the author intended that, or was she just writing about good guys and bad guys and it happen to fall out that way — not that it is relevant to you and me and how we interpret the story. Again, I’m just curious as to whether she intended to write “Lord of the Flies” or was she writing “Twilight” and stumbled into something more worthy.
My wife and I homeschool (actually, mostly my wife, I just jump in during the evenings from time to time), and we read the books. I agree with your assessment; the books are very much against a strong central government.
Yet we did find it odd that there is no mention of any religion that I could read. I can’t understand why. Generally, those who spend a lot of time in nature will reflect on God’s creation eventually.
However, I am skeptical of a Hollywood slant in the move. Woody Harrelson is a liberal activist, and another lead actor seems to be a gay rights activist.
My liberal sisters reading this right now.I may have to point out how her ideology is similar to the government controlling the food supply.
Read the series and just gave the first book to my oldest so he can read it before the movie comes out.
The writing was simplistic (written for teens) and in the first person. But it was well done considering it’s not Tolkien.
My only gripe is that the actors in the previews don’t look like I thought they would... whoever did the casting was trying to get Twilight movie look-alikes. And the people from the Capitol don’t dress as freaky as I had envisioned.
I read all three when they first came out and my sons were into them. Loved them all.
Interestingly, my younger son just finished reading it again (this time for school) and he commented on the socio-political aspect of the books. He said it is really cool how he is noticing the higher level ideas now. When he was younger it was just an action/adventure book. I sure hope the movies follow the books. She is such a rebel.
My two boys have devoured these books. I’ll have to read them. My oldest son and his Robotics team are primed for the midnight showing on the release night.
Sort of a team tradition.
Read the books and enjoyed them (although, I feel that the third book could have been twice as long. I felt that the author rushed through it, especially the ending).
Another important theme to this book that is quite obvious is that their government has absolutely no value for human life. Seeing that the setting was based in the future it wouldn’t surprise me that their devaluing of human life began in the womb. Sound familiar?
Sounds interesting.
My daughter has read the trilogy - and thought they were
great.
She is 24 years old, and told me she thinks I should read
them as well.
I had just steered my sister away from The Hunger Games for my then 11 year old niece. That was bases only on a quick read of the synopsis of the story. It just did not seem appropriate for that age. Based on your warnings for emotionally less mature 12 year olds, I think I’ll stand by my recommendation. Its sad what a divorce does to the emotional well-being of a young child.